Question:
Has anyone been sent for these exercises in the swimming pool?

My surgeon is sending me for exercise in a swimming pool due to the condition of my spine and he wants me to have PT before surgery to build me up. Has anyone done this? I am all for anything that will help me post-op just wondering if anyone else did these exercises and what is it all about. TIA Paticia L (:o    — Patricia L. (posted on May 21, 2001)

May 22, 2001
I just finished PT it included both water and dry exercises. They called it a lumbar stabilization program.There were a variety of stretches on the land ,a little walking on the treadmill, lifting wts on the hip machine and leg press as well as some low rows. The water exercises consisted of walking forwards for 3 min, backwards for 3min and sideways for 3 minutes. I did some squats in the water, pelvic tilts, and various arm movements with resistance in the pool. I also treaded water for 10 minutes using a noodle, and hung in the deepend for 10 minutes with weights on my ankles. Again strtches of my hamstrings and quads were also done and surprisingly easy in the pool. The emphasis in each exercise was to pull my naval to my spine and tuck my buns under. I think that some of the exercises were done to practice doing something while holding my belly in. I spent about an hour in the pool 3x's a week, for 6 weeks. I now do them on my own at the Y and practice the other exercises at home everyday. My surgery is scheduled for June 26th . I know all of this will help my recovery. I have even begun to automatically hold my stomach in which I really needed to do. I have had quite a bit of major arthritis pain in my back and hips and the PT has helped me a great deal. Good luck with your program .
   — [Anonymous]